The Press Arbitration Act, Another Failure in Bipartisan Agreement... Discussion Resumes on the 29th

"Failed to Reach Agreement, Will Discuss Again"
Differences Over Punitive Damages System and Others

Yoon Ho-jung, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Ki-hyun, the floor leader of the People Power Party, are holding an emergency meeting presided over by National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok at the National Assembly on the 28th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The ruling and opposition party floor leaders met twice on the 28th to continue discussions on the amendment to the Media Arbitration Act but ultimately failed to reach an agreement.

Before the National Assembly plenary session scheduled for the 29th, both parties agreed to attempt another round of consultations in the morning.

Yoon Ho-jung, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader of the People Power Party, after meeting in the afternoon under the chairmanship of National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok, discussed the Media Arbitration Act and then informed reporters accordingly.

After the meeting, Floor Leader Yoon told reporters, "We exchanged the contents of each party's caucus discussions," adding, "There are still differences in opinions regarding the content and handling of the Media Arbitration Act, so we are unable to reach an agreement at this time."

Floor Leader Kim also stated, "Although each party's opinions were presented over a long period, we were unable to reach a sufficient agreement," and added, "We will discuss again tomorrow at 11:30 a.m."

The ruling and opposition parties formed an eight-member consultative body on the Media Arbitration Act and held 11 sessions of discussions since the 8th of this month. As a result, they reached a consensus on the right to request corrections and rebuttals, but failed to narrow differences on key issues such as punitive damages and the right to block article viewing.

With both sides maintaining parallel positions, the floor leaders of both parties are scheduled to meet at 11:30 a.m. on the 29th for final consultations. Subsequently, the amendment to the Media Arbitration Act is expected to be submitted at the plenary session scheduled for 2 p.m.